❓ Hon Michelle Hofmann questions the Minister for Water regarding water licensing in the Mooliabeenee area and planning for potential water entitlement reductions in the Gingin area, given concerns from local horticulturalists and farmers.

I refer to the statement by then Minister for Water Simone McGurk on 24 June 2024 titled “Evaluation statement for Gingin water allocation planning released” that “To strengthen the protection of Gingin's water resources and to support local water users and the environment, there will be a restriction on new water licensing, and the trade of water in areas most impacted by climate change and water use”, and I ask:(a) in light of concerns raised by local horticulturalists and farmers about the availability of water in the Mooliabeenee area, can the Minister advise whether the Department is continuing to grant water licenses in that area; and(b) given that there are licence entitlement reductions anticipated in the next water allocation plan for the Gingin area, what measures are being put in place now to plan for potential reductions?

a)     The Gingin groundwater and surface water allocation plans: 2024 evaluation statement capped allocation limits for surficial aquifer resources and any new applications received for additional entitlements are likely to be refused. The Mirrabooka, Leederville-Parmelia and Fractured Rock aquifer resources, which may also be present over portions of the Mooliabeenee area are fully allocated and any new applications received for additional entitlements from any of these resources are also likely to be refused. b)     The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (Department) is developing a new combined Gingin groundwater and surface water allocation plan, including building a numerical groundwater model. Current impacts and historical trends will be considered along with groundwater model outputs to assess risks to water resources and their dependent environments, from climate change and abstraction. This information will be important in assessing future licensed entitlements that may be needed in the Gingin area. The Department undertakes regular reviews of metering data and this information will also be used to inform future decision making in relation to potential adjustments of allocation limits.